Alex Gilbert (basketball)

Alexander Gilbert (born July 3, 1957) is an American former professional basketball player and coach. He is a 6 ft 7 ½ in (2.02 m) tall power forward-center.

For other people named Alex Gilbert, see Alex Gilbert (disambiguation).

Alex Gilbert
Personal information
Born (1957-07-03) July 3, 1957
East St. Louis, Illinois
NationalityAmerican
Listed height6 ft 7.5 in (2.02 m)
Listed weight205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High schoolEast Stl Louis High (East St. Louis, Illinois)
College
NBA draft1980 / Round: 6 / Pick: 17th overall
Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
Playing career1980–1983
PositionPower forward / Center
Career history
As player:
1981–198?Grindavík
1982Njarðvík
As coach:
1982Njarðvík
Career highlights and awards
  • Indiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame (2000)[1]
  • Honorable Mention All-American NJCAA (1977-78)
  • First-team All-KJCCC (1977-78)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

College career

Gilbert played college basketball at Indiana State University, with the Sycamores, from 1978 to 1980. A two-year starter, he was a critical to the Sycamores compiling a to a 2-yr record of 79–55 (.754), a MVC title, a MVC Tourney title and a NCAA National Finals finish. An phenomenal athlete, Gilbert broke up a tight game Virginia Tech in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, Gilbert's "hook dunk" off a rebound, shook the Sycamores of their lethargy and spurred them to a 17-point victory over the Hokies.[2]

Prior to his Indiana State career; Gilbert spent two seasons at Coffeyville Community College; leading the Red Ravens in scoring and rebounding, (16.7 and 11.2 respectively) – he was tapped for the KJCCC All-Conference team and named All-American (Honorable Mention). He scored 1,605 points while at Coffeyville and was named to the Red Raven Hall of Fame.

Following the 1977-78 season, he signed a NCAA Division I letter of intent, spurning Missouri and Norm Stewart.[3] He totaled 632 points, 447 rebounds, 28 assists, 22 steals, 60 starts in 61 games; his 75 blocks place him 9th on the career list.

Professional career

After being drafted in the 1980 NBA draft, Gilbert played on different Milwaukee Bucks Summer League teams but was cut during training camp. In December 1980, Gilbert signed with Grindavík of the Icelandic second-tier 1. deild karla.[4] In August 1982, he was signed as a player-coach for reigining Icelandic champions Njarðvík of the Úrvalsdeild karla.[5] He was released by Njarðvík in November after appearing in 6 games[6] where he averaged 24.0 points per game. His best performance came in his last game where he scored 42 points against Fram.[7] Following his professional career, Gilbert returned to the United States and began a career in the Corrections industry, eventually moving into Counseling.[3]

In recent years, Gilbert has joined current athletes in the battle for "Likeness & Image" control and reimbursement; he is a co-signee of a landmark legal case versus the NCAA.[8]

References
  1. "1978-79 Men's Basketball Team (2000) - Hall of Fame". Indiana State University Athletics. June 24, 2020. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
  2. "Former Indiana State coach Bill Hodges fondly remembers Sycamores' run to 1979 NCAA title game". syracuse. March 17, 2011.
  3. Hochman, Benjamin. "Hochman: Local star Alex Gilbert played in Bird vs. Magic game 40 years ago as he coped with tragedy". STLtoday.com.
  4. "Nýr svartur risi til Grindavíkur". Dagblaðið (in Icelandic). December 30, 1980. p. 20. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  5. "Jónas hættir með Njarðvík". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). August 18, 1982. p. 18. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  6. "3.200 krónur fyrir sigur". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). November 11, 1982. p. 33. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  7. "Brazy færði Fram sigurinn". Morgunblaðið (in Icelandic). November 9, 1982. p. 24. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  8. "Landmark Case Against NCAA Turning Into College Basketball History Course". amlawdaily.typepad.com.
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